Atlantic City Kicks Off Food Truck Program To Help Local Vendors

Starting in November, food trucks will roll into two prime spots in Atlantic City. The city picked O'Donnell Memorial Park and Gardner's Basin as the first sites where up to eight mobile kitchens can serve hungry guests.

"Atlantic City is always open for business — and this is just one more way we're making that known," said Mayor Marty Small, Sr., according to Jersey Digs. "Not only does this create new opportunities for small businesses, something the Small Administration is aggressive on, but this generates tax revenue and gives residents and visitors more affordable dining options."

After a summer vote where city officials backed the plan without opposition, workers rushed to mark spots and put up signs. The quick prep work shows the city's push to make this program work fast.

At O'Donnell Memorial Park, trucks will park on Captain John O'Donnell Parkway. The Gardner's Basin spot sits between the city's aquarium and a parking area by the seawall.

Bruce Weekes, who runs the city's growth plans as Assistant Director of Economic Development, thinks this could spark bigger changes. "Our people wanted food trucks for years, and we took action," said Weekes. "We want these mobile spots to turn into real stores, with owners picking our city as their main base."

Three city groups joined forces to launch this project. The growth team worked with zoning experts and street crews to get things ready. They also made sure all the paperwork was set for new vendors to start.

Trucks can serve food from early morning at 8:00 AM until late at 10:00 PM every day. Anyone who wants to run a truck can sign up through www.acnj.gov.